Abstract: A stand alone flat bed scanner including a CPU, a removable storage medium, a control system displaying digital image and controls for controlling the mode of operation, degree of resolution, related parameters associated with generating, storing and displaying digital data. Ports for printers, accessories and other peripherals, an internal hard drive, and software adapted to display images directly on a television screen, including battery, and a pivotal handle for portable use in environments not having an external power supply.

Abstract: To provide a printer command control apparatus, method and system that can prevent control commands from being sent erroneously to a printer connected to a printer command control apparatus, a printer connected to the printer command control apparatus, and a program and a storage medium. In the printer command control system, a NonPC apparatus is connected to a printer and, at the same time, connected to a web server via the Internet. A tag to be sent from the NonPC apparatus to the printer is constituted by a printer maintenance command header, which consists of a header ID and a manufacturer ID including information indicating to which manufacturer a command is adapted, and a printer maintenance command. When manufacturer information of the manufacturer ID and manufacturer information of the printer do not coincide with each other, the printer maintenance command is controlled not to be sent to the printer.

Abstract: A method for remotely selecting and ordering photographic prints, includes the steps of: sending a photographic film bearing a plurality of latent images to a photofinisher; developing the photographic film to produce visible images and scanning the visible images to create a digital image file at the photo finisher; producing an index print having a plurality of images from the photographic film along with an index number associated with each image and an order number; sending the index print to a customer; selecting images for which prints are desired from the index print; ordering photographic prints via telephone from the customer's home to the photofinisher, specifying the order number and the index numbers associated with the images for which prints are desired; and making photographic prints of the selected images at the photofinisher and sending the photographic prints to the customer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of matching color elements for objects having different source color definitions within a print job prior to printing, includes identifying all source colors to be printed within the print job and object type associated with each instance of a source color; identifying any source colors having at least two different source color definitions; for each source color having at least two different source color definitions, selecting one of the source color definitions in accordance with a predetermined criterion; and assigning the selected source color definition to at least one other instance of the source color for that object type. The predetermined criterion may include for each source color having at least two different source color definitions for the same object type, assigning the selected source color definition to all other instances of the source color for that object type.

Abstract: In the case in which an image processing mode is a high-speed copy mode in which follow-up control is possible, setting is made to perform “follow-up control” for setting a mode for not compressing an image or a fixed length compression mode for an image read by a scanner, storing an inputted image in a memory in accordance with the setting, and outputting the image stored in the memory to a printer during scanning. Consequently, image input/output processing from input and storage of an image in the memory until output of the stored image can be performed at high speed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a printer that is configured to interleave color plane data. The interleaved data is compressed, thereby forming compressed data having runs, seedrow copies and literals. In the compression process, commands are buffered to enable independent and simultaneous operation of a run module, a seedrow copy module and a literal module used in forming the compressed data.

Abstract: A method of faxing a multi-page job via a facsimile device. Accordingly, the method includes scanning a page of the multi-page job with the facsimile device, encoding the scanned page as a fax signal, and loading the fax signal into a buffer memory. Each page of the multi-page job is scanned, encoded, and loaded. The method further includes transmitting the fax signals encoded from each page of the multi-page job from the buffer memory to a recipient fax device in a single transmission.

Abstract: A method for remotely selecting and ordering photographic prints, includes the steps of: sending a photographic film bearing a plurality of latent images to a photofinisher; developing the photographic film to produce visible images and scanning the visible images to create a digital image file at the photo finisher; producing an index print having a plurality of images from the photographic film along with an index number associated with each image and an order number; sending the index print to a customer; selecting images for which prints are desired from the index print; ordering photographic prints via telephone from the customer's home to the photofinisher, specifying the order number and the index numbers associated with the images for which prints are desired; and making photographic prints of the selected images at the photofinisher and sending the photographic prints to the customer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image processing apparatus having a memory to store taken image data, for effecting image processing on the stored image data, including: an image data storage control section for outputting block data end signals indicating data end of blocked image data in synchronization with the storing of the taken image data into the memory; and an image processing section having a stored a mount counting section for counting amount of the taken image data stored into the memory based on the block data end signals, and a processing progress control section for controlling the progress of the image processing based on the stored a mount counted at the stored amount counting section.

Abstract: In processing documents, a scan-all-first mode is available, in which a set of documents is input part by part until all documents have been input, and, after completion of the input process, an output process is performed as a single job for the set of documents. In an intermediate state during the input process in which the set of documents is input part by part in the scan-all-first mode, a user is allowed to make settings of processing conditions associated with, for example, insertion of a sheet or insertion of a form image. In the job processed in the scan-all-first mode, insertion of the sheet or insertion of a composite image including the form image is performed according to the settings made in the intermediate state.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method for scanning an object by an image capture device comprises automatically detecting a starting end of the object to be scanned, scanning the object from the starting end and automatically terminating the scanning of the object in response to detection of a terminating end of the object.

Abstract: At the image processing time for an image data, a storage area to be secured is reduced, and moreover, the number of access processing times for the storage area which is required until the image processing result is obtained is sharply reduced, thereby shortening the processing time. Consequently, an image correction processing portion is characterized by a configuration wherein the image correction processing portion secures an image correction buffer to store the image data for at least M+(N?1) lines, and when it is determined that an image correction processing requires decoding processing, the address of an image correction buffer is set as a decoding destination, and the image correction processing for the image data is performed within the set storage area.

Abstract: An electronic device controller includes an image sensor controller that controls an image sensor having an effective pixel region and a dummy pixel region, and a servo controller that performs servo control on a drive device that drives a carriage on which the image sensor is mounted. The servo controller performs the servo control based on servo control information (for speed control, initial position detection) read by some or all of the dummy pixel region of the image sensor. Alternatively, the servo control may be performed based on servo control information read by one or more separate sensors mounted on the carriage with the image sensor. Moreover, speed servo control may be performed according to speed control ranges based on servo control information for each speed range.

Abstract: On-demand image delivery server delivering designated image data based on a request from a client terminal with one or a plurality of retrieval items as a retrieval condition inputted from the client terminal, made up by a retrieval function portion, which retrieves one or a plurality of image resource databases, and a retrieval result displaying function portion, which displays on the screen of the client terminal for confirmation of contents of image data subject to delivery, simplified image data of the image data matching a retrieval condition and/or data regarding attached contents-related information.

Abstract: A communication apparatus where transmission waiting time for an originating facsimile machine is shortened. A transmitter/receiver section of one of two communication control sections receives a transmission subscriber identification (TSI) signal from the originating facsimile machine. A determination new section extracts an international telephone number from the TSI signal and determines whether or not it coincides with a pre-stored international telephone number. If they coincide, the transmitter/receiver section receives an object signal in succession, otherwise the transmitter/receiver section ends the receiving operation without receiving the object signal.

Abstract: A scanning device of one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes a scanning mechanism and a removable storage media mechanism disposed within a housing of the scanning device. The scanning mechanism is to scan image data from scannable media. The removable storage media mechanism is receptive to a removable storage medium on which the image data scanned from the scannable media is stored.

Abstract: There is disclosed in embodiments methods relating to the compression of printing hints. The method in embodiments generates a first set of image pixels having corresponding printing hints. The printing hints are then adjusted to produce a second set of image pixels processed in such a way that an end printed result is visually equivalent to a printed result using the first set of image pixels thereby reducing the entropy in the printing hints. The method improves the compression ratio of an image using printing hints by adjusting the printing hints of pixels that are zero or fully saturated. The printing hints are adjusted in such a way to reduce the complexity of the printing hints.

Abstract: In the transfer and entry of one-touch dial data or speed dial data from a facsimile apparatus 1 to a facsimile apparatus 10, the respective sizes of one-touch dial memory and speed dial memory in the facsimile apparatus 10 are detected. The one-touch dial data are transferred and entered in the facsimile apparatus 10 (P1). The speed dial data are transferred and entered in the facsimile apparatus 10 (P2). Any remaining speed dial data are entered in the one-touch memory (P3). This reduces or eliminates overflow of the one-touch dial data or speed dial data.

Abstract: An automatic scanning parameter setting device and method. The automatic scanning parameter setting device is a scanner that automatically sets the scanning parameters of a plurality of scan images so that scanning can be conducted in batches. The automatic scanning parameter setting device includes an image input device, an analysis device and a control unit. The image input device is attached to the scanner for inputting a plurality of scan images. A portion of the scan images contains a set parameter format. The set parameter format contains a plurality of scanning parameter values. The analysis device performs an analysis of the scan images containing recorded scan parameter values. The control unit uses the analyzed scanning parameter values to conduct a scanning parameter setting operation on the scan images having recorded scanning parameter values as well as the ordered scan images after the scan images with recorded scan parameter values but without recorded scan parameter values.

Abstract: A first image data interface section is disposed in an electrode region and an input/output buffer region provided along a first side of a semiconductor chip. A second image data interface section is disposed in an electrode region and an input/output buffer region provided along a second side. A first memory interface section is disposed in an electrode region and an input/output buffer region provided along a third side. A second memory interface section is disposed in an electrode region and an input/output buffer region provided along a fourth side.

Abstract: There is provided an option module for a printer, capable of preserving versatility while reducing possibility of ending in an error. An option module for realizing a specific function while being connected to a printer has a unit for inquiring to a printer connected thereto (below, referred to as “the connected printer”) regarding a print function usable with the connected printer, and only the print function usable with the connected printer is designated and operated, realizing the specific function.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus of the present invention converts respective pixel signals outputted from first, second and third shift registers to pixel data in an analog frontend IC and outputs pixel data as a serial data stream in a predetermined pattern. The address setting unit repeats add and subtract operation to the initial value according to the output pattern of the pixel data from the analog frontend IC to calculate pixel positions of the respective pixel data, and sets memory addresses corresponding to the pixel positions as destination memory addresses of the pixel data in an address register RR. The memory writing control unit writes the pixel data obtained from the analog frontend IC via a data sampling control unit in areas in the memory which correspond to the destination memory addresses. As a result, the amount of memory necessary for storing the pixel data can be reduced, and sorting operation of the pixel data can be executed with fewer memory access times.

Abstract: A portable imaging system transportable by a user between a first and second location for scanning an image for later production of an image product. The system includes (a) a first and second member movable between an open and closed position; (b) a scanning area accessible when the system is in the open position for receiving and scanning the image to produce a digital image; (c) memory for storing the digital image; and (d) a communication port adapted to transmit the digital image from the portable imaging system to a device for later production of the imaging product comprising the digital image. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a display for displaying the digital image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a facsimile device and a facsimile device monitoring system. The result of a transmission can be promptly informed to the user. When an error occurs, the file of the memory transmission can be simply erased, or the address and the transmission property of the memory transmission file can be changed. The facsimile device monitoring system is constructed with the monitoring software and featured in that, when there exists a file of a communication error, the alarm message is displayed on the displaying panel of the personal computer, the (memory transmission) file can be deleted from the personal computer, and the address and/or the transmission property of the (memory transmission) file can be changed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image read apparatus including an image sensor including: first and second sensors including light receiving devices arranged in one row; a first shift register for outputting the pixel signals of all the light receiving devices of the first sensor; and second and third shift registers for outputting the even-numbered and odd-numbered pixel signals of the light receiving devices of the second sensor, in which invalid data is prevented from being written in a memory. The pixel signals outputted from the first to third shift registers constituting a CCD image sensor with the same transfer clock are selected and taken in via an AFE in a time division. The taken pixel data is successively sampled in a data sampling block and stored in a memory. Moreover, when the sampling timing is controlled in a take-in signal generation circuit, the pixel data stored in the memory is limited to indicate the pixel number of each shift register.

Abstract: A controlling unit of an image inputting apparatus increments a counter each time an instruction to start an image input is externally provided. An image compressing unit waits for the completion of the storage of an entire image in a buffer memory, and issues an instruction to detect the state of the image to an image state detecting unit. The image state detecting unit detects the rotation direction and the presence/absence of mirror-reversing of the image stored in the buffer memory, and notifies the detection result to an image compressing unit. The image compressing unit switches a scanning order of pixels to be read from the buffer memory based on the notification, compresses the image data while reading the image data in the switched scanning order, and stores the compressed image data in a data storing unit.

Abstract: In order to reduce the capacity of a line memory when converting image data that are input in a raster scan order into pixel block data such as 8×8 pixels for JPEG compression and the like, data on the first 0th to 7th lines is written in an 8H line memory in a raster scan order. Next, while performing block reading, the writing of the next 8th to 15th lines is performed so as to follow the part that has been read. The block reading of the 8th to 15th lines is performed in an order from the area where the data on the 0th line was first stored to the area where the data on the 1st, 2nd . . . lines was stored. For this reason, the writing of the 16th to 23rd line that is performed simultaneously with the block reading of the 8th to 15th lines can be performed in the same manner as the writing of the first 0th to 7th lines. Therefore, block conversion can be performed using an 8H line memory capacity corresponding to 8 lines, whereas that corresponding to 16 lines has been conventionally required.

Abstract: An image scanner of the present invention corrects a lens position when a lens moving signal for moving a lens is obtained by extracting a luminance signal from an image signal output from a CCD sensor and an object is dislocated from a focus position of the lens at an optional position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for improved operation and troubleshooting of a printing device. A printing device includes a master module wherein printing device operation data can be stored in non-volatile memory. The master module is provided with non-volatile memory or an uninterruptible power source so that the master module memory may be retained and dumped upon request. The memory dump may transmit the memory contents to a local external device through a port, such as an infrared port or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, or the memory contents may be transmitted to a remote location. The dumped data may then be analyzed to quickly identify a problem component in the printing device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for performing at least a copying function includes an engine board, an image reading unit, an image forming unit, a controller board detachably connected to the engine board to add at least one application function to the copying function of the image forming apparatus, an operation unit, and a parallel bus that connects the controller board to the engine board. When the controller board is connected to the engine board, the operation unit displays information of the copying function and the at least one application function, and when the controller board is detached from the engine board, the operation unit displays the information of the copying function. Each of display layouts of the operation unit for the copying function is substantially identical between when the controller board is connected to the engine board and when the controller board is detached from the engine board.

Abstract: An information processing system includes an information processor for transmitting image data to an image processor together with device information, and plural image processors for performing, according to the device information, processes to the transmitted image data. The information processor comprises a setter to set the device information and command information, and a transmitter to transmit data including the device and command information to the image processor. The image processor comprises a device information memory, a device information setter to set the device information to the memory, and a selector to, according to the transmitted device information, set the device information according to the command information to the memory, change the command information, and select whether to transmit the data including the changed command information to the next image processor or transmit the transmitted data to the next image processor as it is.

Abstract: Since a power supply circuit for a controller (31) and a power supply circuit for a buffer storage unit (32) are independently provided, the power voltage for the buffer storage unit (32) need only be reduced to obtain a corresponding reduction in the amplitude of the signal waveform of digital image data transmitted along an FFC (40), without the operation of the controller (31) being adversely affected. In addition, so long as a coil (47) is located at one position in the internal power supply circuit of a control chip (24), or the external circuit thereof near its power supply circuit, the signal waveform for the digital image data transmitted along the FFC (40) can be attenuated.

Abstract: A color printer 20 allocates all of the image processing memory resources for image processing on image data GD lined up in the main scanning direction of a print head IH, secures an amount of memory resources for each of the lined up image data GD, and releases the memory resources as the image processing completes. A CPU 51 secures image processing memory resources for an image datum 1 in the storage area of a RAM 53, and releases the secured memory resources when the image processing on the image datum 1 is complete. The CPU 51 repeatedly implements this processing on each image datum contained in one print job.

Abstract: A document reading device is provided with a reading unit for reading a document and generating image data corresponding to an image formed on the document. The image data is stored in an external memory that is detachably attached to a slot of the device. The operation for storing the image data to the external memory is interrupted if the external memory is removed from the slot after the document reading is started. Thereafter, when the external memory is reattached to the document reading device, the image storing operation is restarted.

Abstract: A method for acquiring document images with a paper feed scanner. The paper feed scanner includes a scanning module for scanning a document at a scanning position, a motor for driving the document, and a memory for storing image data. The method includes turning the motor to feed the document toward a scanning position; the scanning module starting scanning before the document reaches the scanning position; and detecting an edge of the document according to an image generated by the scanning module, and starting or stopping storing image data generated by the scanning module into the memory when detecting the edge of the document.

Abstract: In the case in which an image processing mode is a high-speed copy mode in which follow-up control is possible, setting is made to perform “follow-up control” for setting a mode for not compressing an image or a fixed length compression mode for an image read by a scanner, storing an inputted image in a memory in accordance with the setting, and outputting the image stored in the memory to a printer during scanning. Consequently, image input/output processing from input and storage of an image in the memory until output of the stored image can be performed at high speed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a four line CCD which produces RGB data and K data that are read out selectably, and a selector which selects whether to output the RGB data that is provided from the four line CCD. The image forming apparatus also includes a storage part which stores a plurality of patterns, and a judgment part that produces a judgment signal based on a comparison of the RGB data and the plurality of patterns stored in the storage part.

Abstract: In order to perform optimal character registration and a printing process depending on a language, in an information processing device connected to a printer having a first registration area and a second registration area as font registration areas, registration amounts in the first registration area and the second registration area are determined based on the language which the information processing device uses, and depending on the determined amounts, a first font is registered in the first registration area in the printer and a second font is registered in the second registration area.

Abstract: A recording device includes an image retrieval unit, a memory, an image forming unit, and a control unit. The image retrieval unit retrieves images of the document pages as document image data. The control unit begins retrieving document image data from the memory as the image retrieval unit is retrieving document image data and sends the document image data to the image forming unit. The image forming unit uses document image data to form images on recording sheets faster than the image data is retrieved. The control unit checks the memory to confirm whether document image data for a next document page is stored in the memory. The timing of the memory check is both after completion of forming an image of a present document page at the recording sheet transport speed and when storage of image data for the next document page is anticipated to start in the memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for automatically storing and managing digital data. Digital data is periodically received from a variety of sources. Example digital data include, without limitation, facsimile data, scanned document data, copier data, printer data and email data. The received digital data is automatically stored on a WORM storage device. The data stored on the WORM storage device may be automatically indexed and search queries processed against the index to locate digital data stored on the WORM storage device. Other embodiments include the use of meta data and an automatic watchdog process may be employed to periodically process search queries against the data stored on the WORM storage device.

Abstract: There are provided a data processing apparatus which makes an I/F for data processing modules (processors) versatile to facilitate addition/modification on a data processing module basis in accordance with processing contents, an image processing apparatus, and a method for the apparatuses. A data processing module (3) includes a read address generator (11), read FIFO (7), write address generator (13), write FIFO (9), and arbiter (10) and is connected to a host arbiter (4) through a 1-channel port. The read address generator (11) and write address generator (13) generate interrupts upon acceptance of final access requests so as to control activation of each data processing module (8-1-8-m) in accordance with the state of each data processing module in interrupt processing. Note that data transfer among the respective data processing modules is performed on a RAM (6).

Abstract: An image forming device for adequately forming an image in which images overlap one another. The priority order (display order) of the images overlapping with one another is judged for the area where images of different attributes overlap with one another. When the priority rank of a three-dimensional image is high, a planar image in the overlapping area is deleted, or a three-dimensional image is formed on a planar image. When the rank of a planar image is high, only the color image of a three-dimensional image in the overlapping area is deleted, and a planar image is formed using foaming toner.

Abstract: A control device and a method for controlling scanning speed of a scanner. The control device includes a decision device and a driving device. The decision device further includes an image buffer, an up-down counter and a comparator. The decision device receives the input image data and utilizes the up-down counter to compute data access volume inside the image buffer. The comparator decides whether to increase or decrease the scanning speed according to the data access volume and also outputs decision data to the driving device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image reading apparatus capable of selectively executing a flow-scan reading method in which a document is read while the document is transported in a state in which a reader is fixed at a predetermined location, and a fixed reading method in which a document is read while the reader is moved in a predetermined direction in a state in which the document is held fixed, the apparatus having a first holding member for holding a document at the predetermined location for implementation of the flow-scan reading method, and a second holding member, which has a spectral transmittance different from that of the first holding member, for holding a document for implementation of the fixed reading method. The apparatus discriminates whether the flow-scan or fixed reading method is executed and sets coefficients, which are used in at least the reader or the image processing unit, in accordance with the flow-scan or fixed reading method.

Abstract: An image data sequencing method for a memory unit inside an optical scanning device. The image data sequencing method is particularly suitable for scanning a line of pixels with each pixel comprising a plurality of primary colors. The image data sequencing method involves scanning a line of pixels to obtain the data for a primary or secondary color. The pixels within the scan line are subdivided into groups. A storage space is reserved both before and after the address space inside the memory unit for holding the scanned primary or secondary color data so that all the primary or secondary color data constituting a pixel are in a fixed sequence next to each other inside the memory unit. When all the primary or secondary color data of pixels within a group are secured, the group of data is released from the memory unit.

Abstract: A method of optimal focusing for a document scanner is disclosed. The scanner includes an optical module movable in a given scanning direction to perform scanning operation over an area of a document in a scan line by scan line manner by being driven by an optical module moving mechanism under control of a control unit. The control unit includes a best focus value memory for storage of the best focus value for each scan line. The method includes the steps of moving the optical module to one of the scan lines of the document and retrieving the best focus value corresponding to the selected scan line. A focus adjusting mechanism is controlled by the control unit to move the optical module in a second direction to adjust the focus position of the optical module in accordance with the best focus value of the scan line. Once the optical module reaches the scan line, the operation of the optical module is temporarily suspended in order to have the vibration of the optical module damped out.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus comprising an insertion hole into which to insert a copyright-compliant first memory card and a copyright-noncompliant second memory card. The first and the second memory cards are substantially the same in shape. If the copyright-noncompliant second memory card is inserted preparatory to recording copyright-protected contents, the copyright-protected contents are recorded temporarily to the second memory card. When the copyright-compliant first memory card is later inserted, the recorded copyright-protected contents are transferred from the second memory card to the inserted first memory card. If the copyright-compliant first memory card is inserted preparatory to recording copyright-unprotected contents, the copyright-unprotected contents are recorded temporarily to the first memory card so that when the copyright-noncompliant second memory card is later inserted, the recorded copyright-unprotected contents are transferred from the first memory card to the inserted second memory card.

Abstract: An electric apparatus including a first controller and a second controller, a first memory which can access the first controller and the second controller, a nonvolatile memory which stores a first control parameter for the first control, a memory controller which manages the nonvolatile memory and writes the first control parameter stored in the nonvolatile memory into the memory in accordance with power ON.

Abstract: A method for remotely selecting and ordering photographic prints, includes the steps of: sending a photographic film bearing a plurality of latent images to a photofinisher; developing the photographic film to produce visible images and scanning the visible images to create a digital image file at the photo finisher; producing an index print having a plurality of images from the photographic film along with an index number associated with each image and an order number; sending the index print to a customer; selecting images for which prints are desired from the index print; ordering photographic prints via telephone from the customer's home to the photofinisher, specifying the order number and the index numbers associated with the images for which prints are desired; and making photographic prints of the selected images at the photofinisher and sending the photographic prints to the customer.

Abstract: Commercial printers operate more efficiently when they run continuously after being started on a print job. Print job image data is processed by a predetermined number of raster image processors (RIP engines) before starting a printer so as to be able to operate a printer continuously for the duration of the print job. Print job partitions are determined and counted. A predetermined number of partitions are processed into hardware ready bit (HRB) output files which are transferred to the printer. Using a predetermined formula, the total number of partitions to process is calculated before sending resultant HRB output files to said printer. Remaining partitions are processed into HRB files by at least one of the RIP engines until all partitions have been processed.